Europa 2012 : Visit…..
Date of Issue: 2 May 2012
Shimla April 2012 Vol. V Issue # 52
Monthly e-Stamp Bulletin Edited by Jeevan Jyoti for free circulation among philatelists
Readers are requested to send reports of philatelic activities in their area for publication. Short write ups by the readers about their journals, societies, publications and philatelic requirements can be sent for inclusion in this bulletin to j.jyoti9@gmail.com or rainbowstamp2008@gmail.com and by post to –
Ms. Jeevan Jyoti, c / o Mr. Ajay Srivastav, Director, Great Himalayan National Park, Shamshi, Distt. Kullu. PIN 175126. (H.P.) India
Note- This bulletin is only for circulation among a limited group of philatelists without any commercial purpose. The bulletin will be sent to the readers only on request. Those who wish to receive it regularly please reply giving the name of your city / country with the subject SUBSCRIBE RAINBOW
Dear Reader
April 2012 issue is on your screen now. The month of March ends with number of stamp exhibitions organized by India Post all over the country at district and state level. But now it is the time for organizing a National stamp exhibition by India Post. It has been about four years since last National Stamp exhibition was organized in Chennai. The time has come for Deptt. of Posts to announce next National Stamp Exhibition.
Another important issue which has baffled the whole philatelic community is that India Post has not included Olympic stamps in its 2012 tentative stamp issue programme. It is a matter of great concern and India Post must look into the matter and issue the revised list of 2012 Stamp issue programme with some nice sets of stamps for London Olympics.
In this issue read a very special article for this month “April Fool’s Day in Philately ”by Dr Satyendra Kumar Agarwal and another interesting article on Newspaper stamps by Col JN Dutta with other regular features !!
This is all for this month….More in Next Issue…Happy Collecting !!
-- Jeevan Jyoti
Contents
· Recent Indian Issues
· In The News
· April Fool’s Day in Philately by Dr Satyendra Kumar Agarwal
· Interview
· From the Desk of Naresh Agarwal
· Beginner’s Section
· Specialized Section
· Reader’s Right
· New Issues from Other Countries
· Philatelic Clubs and Societies
· Blogs & Websites on Philately
· The Lighter Side
· Current Philatelic Magazines – Newsletters
Recent Indian Issues
· 2 January 2012 Puran Chand Gupta – Rs 5
· 15 January Bhai Jagta Ji - Rs 5
· 24 January Shyam Narayan Singh – Rs 5
· 9 February 2012 India International Centre – Rs 5
· 24 February 2012 Employees State Insurance Corporation - Rs 5
· 1 March 2012 Vasantdada Patil – Rs 5
· 9 March 2012 Shyama Charan Shukla
· 14 March Civil Aviation Centenary – 4 stamps – 3 x Rs 5, Rs 20 + MS
Recent Special Cover and Postmark
3 March 2012 Spring Festival, Dehradun
14 March 2012 : Diamond Jubilee of Shree Ram Welfare Society's High School, Mumbai
17 March 2012 : 150 Years of State Bank of India, Allahabad Branch
24 March 2012 : Silver Jubilee Year : 2630 MW Thermal Power Project, Anpara Sonabhadra
24 – 25 March 2012 : KANPEX 2012 , Kanpur – two sp covers
View : Special Covers 2012 by India Post
Sp Cover on Sachin Tendulkar’s 100th International Century….
Customized stamp and special cover on Sachin Tendulkar 100 x 100 International Centuries , Sher – e – Bangla, Dhaka - 16th March 2012
Bletchley Park PO stamp of approval for Sachin
Britain’s secret little post office at Bletchley Park has commemorated Sachin Tendulkar’s 100th international century with a special stamp issue. The sheet of 20 1st class stamps features an exclusive painting by renowned cricket artist Christina Pierce. It is accompanied by a designer envelope featuring another study of Tendulkar by Christina to which a single stamp has been added. The stamp has been postmarked by Bletchley Park Post Office for 16th March 2012. Both of the limited edition items can be viewed on the web site at www.bletchleycovers.com Telephone contact +44 (0)1908 363489. The issue prices are £40 GBP for the stamp sheet and £10 GBP for the stamp and envelope combination.
Contact: Terry Mitchell +44 (0)1604 781440 terry@ltmp.co.uk Read More…
In The News
Olympex 2012
The last edition of Olympex to be organised by FIPO, will be held from 24th July to 9th September 2012 at the prestigious headquarters of the British Library of London. It has been included in the cultural programme of the Games in London. The exhibition will not be as grandiose as the previous ones due to the limited budget provided by the IOC and to the complete absence of the English Postal Administration and of the Organising Committee of the Games (LOCOG). This has influenced the choice of the location of the exhibition which will be certainly prestigious but of limited dimensions.
Consequently the exhibition will be exclusively on invitation and based on the London Games of the Olympiad : 1908, 1948 and 2012. There will be no national commissioners and the collections that will be invited will reach London without any expenses for the Organising Committee. This exhibition will officially close the 30 years activity of FIPO.
Pictorial Postmarks on birds and animals..
Jackdaw
During a philatelic exhibition in Kaltennordheim on May 26th 2012 ,Germany, will be available a new pictorial cancellation featuring the JACKDAW( Corvus monedula) ,BIRD OF THE YEAR 2012 in Germany.
African Elephant
From May 26th to May 28th, 2012, will we held a philatelic exhibition with the Title ZOOLOGIE (Animals in Philately) at Mondorf-Les-Bains, LUXEMBOURG. A pictorial cancellation featuring a African elephant will be available.
Common Seal
During a philatelic exhibition at Norderney, Germany, on April 1st 2012, will be available a pictorial cancellation featuring the common seal (Phoca vitalina).
Eurasian Curlew cancellation to be issued on 31st August 2012
Interested philatelists in the above cancellations may contact Wolfgang Beyer, Vice Chairman of the German Collector Group ArGe ZOOLOGIE. Mail: Wolfgang.Beyer1@polizei.sachsen.de Postage rates are 0,75 Euro AIRMAIL or 2,80 Euro REGISTERED AIRMAIL.
Exhibitions..
IPHLA 2012
Specialized International Exhibition for Philatelic Literature
IPHLA 2012 : A specialised exhibition for Philatelic Literature is going to be held from 2 to 4 Nov.2012 in the town hall of Mainz (Germany). This exhibition will be held under the patronage of FEPA & AIJP but some non European countries are also invited by them and India is also one of them.
Any author, journalist or publisher can apply for participation at IPHLA 2012 Mainz with one or more exhibits (print, static-digital like CD/DVD or a website) on condition he/she is a member of the BDPh or an association affiliated with FIP or FEPA. The application must arrive on time on the entry form provided for this purpose
The basis of the binding application is the different regulations currently provided by the BDPh. Any applicant is urgently advised to take note of these regulations, especially of the special regulations for IPHLA 2012 Mainz , which he agrees to by signing his application. NO FEDERATION COMMISSIONER WILL BE NOMINATED. Please go through website www.iphla.de
For any information please contact to Mr. Wolfgang Massen, Email: w.maassen@alip.org
THAILAND 2013
THAILAND 2013, International Philatelic exhibition will be held in Thailand from 2 to 14 August 2013 in Bangkok, under the patronage of FIP. The World Philatelic Exhibition will take place from 2 - 14 August 2013 at the Royal Paragon Hall 1-3, 5th floor, Siam Paragon, Bangkok. The event will feature not only some unique postage stamp collections, but also displays of other rare and valuable collectibles from around the world. A stamp contest and competition of OTOP products will also be held as part of the event, with an international panel of judges from member countries and representatives of countries submitting collections for display.
PCI has nominated Mr. R D Binani as Commissioner for India, his address :33-B Rowland Road, Kolkata 700 020 E mail : binanipm@gmail.com Mob:9830073058
INDONESIA 2012 WORLD STAMP CHAMPIONSHIP
INDONESIA 2012: International Philatelic exhibition will be held under the patronage of FIP from 18 to 24 June 2012 at Jakarta Convention Center. The exhibition will be known as INDONESIA 2012 WORLD STAMP CHAMPIONSHIP. Mr. S. Sahoo, is National Commissioner for India. His address is :- D-3, BJB Nagar, Bhubaneshwar 751 014 Email: sahadevas@yahoo.com
Station X goes under cover
Envelopes bearing a new stamp cancelled on the first day of issue are very collectable. Many are purchased to create displays and conversation pieces. But the one being released from Bletchley Park on April 10th for Royal Mail’s new “Station X “stamp will be even more so. “Station X” was the designation given to Bletchley Park by MI6 during World War Two. In reality a tiny room below the water tower on the mansion roof chosen because the extensive lead piping amplified radio signals. This enabled MI6 to maintain radio contact with agents from Norway to North Africa unknown to Bletchley Park’s code breakers.
A specially commissioned illustration by Rebecca Peacock features Bletchley Park’s iconic mansion as the backdrop for the 1st class “Station X” stamp. A Bletchley Park first day of issue postmark based on Enigma machine keys completes the unique combination. With only 1000 being issued these little pieces of art and history could be worth considerably more than their £9.99 GBP issue price. And they are only available direct from Bletchley Park with a preview available on the bletchleycovers.com web site, by calling +44 (0) 1908 363489 or writing to Bletchley Park Post Office, Bletchley Park, MK3 6EB.
Contact: Terry Mitchell, Bletchley Park Post Office, 01604 781440, terry@ltmp.co.uk
Seminar on Promotion of Philately & Stamp Bazar at Ludhiana
The Philatelic Congress of Punjab and Ludhiana Philatelic Club with the collaboration of Dept of Posts are jointly organizing a Seminar on Promotion of Philately on April 21-22 at Lions Bhawan, Udham Singh Nagar, Ludhiana. On this occasion Ludhiana Philatelic Club is also holding a Stamp Bazaar.
Stamp Bazaar will enable the philatelists and the general public to buy stamps and other philatelic material. The tariff for dealer booth will be Rs. 2000/- and will include refreshment for both days. The dealers will be provided with one table and two chairs.
In addition, a spot stamps auction will be held on April 22, 2012. No Buyer's Premium. 10% of realization shall be charged on the hammer price from the seller.
Those desirous of setting up their stalls are requested to contact Mr. Mukesh Malhotra PRO (M): 9023084608
Exhibitions in India
KOTTAYAM NUPEX 2012
The Kottayam Philatelic & Numismatic Society will be conducting an exhibition for stamps, coins & currencies on May 11,12, & 13, to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the First stamp exhibition held in Travancore ( Kerala) at Y.M.C.A. KOTTAYAM (1937).
VENUE : KPS MENON HALL ( NEAR PUBLIC LIBRARY), SASTRI ROAD,KOTTAYAM, KERALA- 686001 (I K.M FROM RAILWAY STATION).
For more details Contact : Sunil Joseph (09446124923), Atish Jain (09447756118)
British North America Philatelic Society (BNAPS) Youth Philatelic Essay Contest Announced
The British North America Philatelic Society (BNAPS) is having an philatelic essay contest for young people ages 6 – 18.
According to an press release the group sent out, "Stamp as well as cash prizes will be awarded. Teachers, scout and stamp club leaders, as well as any adult who works with youth and the stamp collecting hobby are invited to share the contest information."
It goes on to say, "Youth are asked to find one or more stamps that are a meaningful symbol of their country. Examples include flags, monuments, and other objects of historical significance. The stamp(s) will be affixed to the page along with an essay of less than 250 words. The written article should explain why the (flag, monument, historical item) is an important symbol for their country. The essays may be handwritten or typed, double space is preferred. The essay must be the original thoughts of the entrant."
"Prizes will be awarded by age group: 6 – 8, 9 – 11, 12 – 14, 15 – 18. Monetary awards of $25, $10, and $5 will be awarded respectively to first, second, and third place winners in each age group. Winners will also receive a philatelic prize. The first 100 entries will receive a free packet of stamps.
"Only one entry per child. Each entry should include the name of the child, complete mailing address, age as of January 1, 2012, and a brief description of their collecting interest.
Entries may be submitted electronically to nrdyer@comcast.net or by mail to Bob Dyer, 1708 Granada Court, Petaluma, CA 94954. (A photocopy may be sent – color preferred.)
The entries become the property of the British North America Society and will not be returned. BNAPS reserves the right to publish entries on its website.
The contest is open to youth of any country. Deadline for contest entries to be received is May 15, 2012. Direct any questions to Bob Dyer"
To visit the British North America Philatelic Society (BNAPS) website, click here.
APRIL FOOL’s DAY in PHILATELY
April Fool's Day is a "for-fun-only" observance. Practical jokes are a common practice on this Day. Some believe it sort of evolved simultaneously in several cultures at the same time, from celebrations involving the first day of spring.
American April Fool’s Day postcard prepared by Geo. W. Parker Art Co. of Minneapolis
Sometimes, elaborate practical jokes are played on friends or relatives that last the entire day.
The closest point in time that can be identified as the beginning of this tradition was in 1582, in France. Prior to that year, the New Year was celebrated for eight days, beginning on March 25 and culminating on April 1. With the reform of the calendar under Charles IX, the Gregorian calendar was introduced, and New Year's Day was moved to January 1.
Though in general sense the First April is a day for practical jokes but for philately it gave many first. Few countries chosen this day to start a new postal service and some to close down. This day also witnessed first stamp issue of few postal administrations. Illustrated Postal stationeries also brought out commemorating this special day.
New Mail Services
One of the world’s first mail services began on April Fool’s Day in 1680, “Penny Post", service for London and Westminster established by William Dockwra, a London merchant. At the time, there was only one General Letter Office in London and Westminster to receive and dispense the mail; there was no provision for the general distribution of letters. Dockwra and his associates divided the urban area into districts with subordinate offices in each district. The principal office was Dockwra’s house. Every hour, messengers collected letters and parcels weighing less than one pound in weight from receiving houses and took them to district sorting houses. From there, deliveries were made to local homes and businesses, often more than once a day. The cost of the service was one penny. There were attractive postal markings applied to letters, including some shaped like hearts, and triangular. The triangular Dockwra PENNY POST PAID mark is regarded as the world’s first postage stamp (‘Who was First ’, Rainbow Stamps News, April 2009 by Dr.Satyendra Kumar Agrawal).
Heart shaped and Triangular Dockwra’s postal markings.
“Kleine Post” (Little Post), in the Austrian city of Vienna also started on this day in 1772. This one had mailmen who walked the streets sounding a wooden clapper so that people could come from their houses and hand over mail to be carried.
“Kleine Post”
Demonstration of the “Fonopost” service of Argentina is the most striking event associated with this date occurred in1939 on the occasion of 11th Universal Postal Union Congress hosted by Argentina. It was an experimental postal service in Argentina to record a person's voice and deliver the resulting recording by mail. Special mobile recording vans were used to make the recordings which used 8 inch 78rpm acetate gramophone records. To post specially reinforced container were used with specially prepared Fonopost stamp.
Fonopost Envelope Message recoding in soundproof room
Fonopost Set of Stamps, Argentina 1939
The first flight to Kaah Siong, Taiwan by Malaysian Airline took place on 1 April 1991.
"Special First Flight Cancellation"
The Duttia State Post Office was closed down entirely on April Fool's Day in 1921where as
Duttia State Stamps
on April Fools’ Day 1950, all other Indian Feudatory States postal services were closed down unilaterally by the new Indian government. Newfoundland stopped issuing its own postage stamps when it became Canada's tenth province on April 1, 1949.
On 1st April 1950, “Local Delivery” System at reduced rate of postage was introduced by the Indian Posts & Telegraphs Department, vide Postal Notice No.1 dated 1st April 1950. Local Delivery System applied to letters and postcards only. For other classes of postal articles, the existing all India rates of postage would apply for local delivery articles also.
A local delivery postcard
First Stamp Issues
Few postal administrations around the world chosen this day to put out their first postage stamp issue. In 1851- Denmark and Italian state of Tuscany, in 1857- Ceylon (modern day Sri Lanka) and Netherlands Indies in1864. Russians suppressed the former local issues for Poland and introduced their own stamps for use from 1st April 1865.
Denmark Tuscany Netherlands Indies
Cyprus, acquired by Great Britain was given its first stamps on April Fools’ Day 1880 and just two years later to tiny Funchal, a small part of the island of Madeira. Cochin also seen its first stamp on this day in 1882. The French Post Office at Port Lagos was given its first issues on 1st April in 1893. The Indian Feudatory State of Morvi had its first stamps on this date in 1931, and Iraq the following year for the first time as an independent kingdom.
Cypus Morvi
April Fools’ Day also witnessed the release of the famous Dhows set of Aden in 1937.
Dhows set of Aden 1937
World’s first “omnibus” series of stamps also appeared on April Fools’ Day in the year 1898 commemorating the 400th Anniversary of Vasco da Gama’s epic voyage around the Cape of Good Hope to reach India by sea. Countries participating in this omnibus series were Portugal, the Azores, Macao, Madeira, Portuguese Africa, Portuguese India and Timor.
World’s first “omnibus” series
April 1, 1903 witnessed one of the longest running definitive series of France, the “Sower” design stamps remained in use, in varying states and denominations till 1960.
“Sower” design stamp of France
Few overprinted and special stamps also appeared on this day. Overprinted Indian stamps as first issue for Kuwait appeared on 1st April 1924 and US post issued a “special handling” 25c stamp in1925 to allow 4th class mail to be treated as 1st class mail.
Special Handling stamp, USA 1925
Two fund raising issues also appeared on this day first as Syria’s first semi-postal including an airmail set for the relief of refugees of the Djebel Druze War in1926 and second semi-postal stamps overprinted on regulars for the defeat of a plague of locusts by Transjordan in 1930.
Ovpt.refugees relief semi postal and Airmail stamps of Syria 1926
In the list of “First Airmail” issue of a country released on this day Malta’s 1928 is worth mentioning. Surprisingly mail prepaid with them went not by air but by sea all the way to Egypt, then it was transmitted onward by air.
First Airmail stamp of Malta, 1928
The first Panama Canal Zone Airmail issue overprinted on a regular issue was released on 1stApril 1929 where as tiny island of Lundy, in England’s Bristol Channel; the first local airmail stamps for use on mail flown to and from the Island appeared on this Day in 1935.
In addition to stamps, some postal administrations brought out their First Issue of Postal Stationery, Label, Postmark etc. on this famous day.
Postal Stationery and Label
Penny postal cards inscribed “Great Britain” put out for sale on1st April 1879.
Penny postal cards inscribed “Great Britain”, 1879
Before the 1st World War broke out, tiny Monaco saw an amazing event – an Aerial Rally, for which souvenir cards were issued & used with a rare airmail vignette attached – all for April Fools’ Day, 1914.
Aerial Rally souvenir card attached airmail vignette, Monaco 1914
Two wartime issues appeared on April 1, 1943: Japanese occupation provisional stamped envelopes in the Philippines, and the now rare and sought after “Afrika Korps” label, showing a palm tree and swastika, used in North Africa.
Japanese Occupation provisional stamped envelope, Philippines, 1943 and “Afrika Korps” label
Illustrated envelope and Postcard, USA postmarked 1 Apr 1936
In 2010 a Postal envelope is also issued by Ukraine commemorating this very special day of fun
Postal envelope for the 1st April “All Fools Day”, Ukraine 2010
Postmarks
To welcome tourists, on April Fools’ Day in 1963 the city of Hastings used Britain’s first pictorial tourist slogan postmark, which read rather amusingly “We’re ready for your invasion at Hastings”!
The town of Hastings is where William the Conqueror landed in 1066 and subsequently defeated King Harold and took over the whole country.
Britain’s first pictorial tourist slogan postmark
Britain’s first pictorial tourist slogan postmark commemorated on smilar sheet, GB 2011
Fool’s Day Fancy cancels, USA 1931 depicting Jokers
Fool’s Day Stamps
Zazzle.com of USA also prepared many stamps to mark this ‘Fool’s Day’. These postaly valid stamps are under license of US post.
“Fool’s Day” stamps issued by Zazzal.com, authorized by US post
From last five years, regularly, Christopher Phillips of the Scarborough Philatelic Society creating and distributing free to the society members beautifully designed April Fool’s Day stamps with request that when sending letters to people always use a normal stamp too and put the fun stamp elsewhere on the envelope.
The theme of the first issue was the Queen’s head on upside down which were supposed to be for sending letters to the southern hemisphere. Other themes were Queen’s visit to Scarborough when she officially reopened the restored Open Air Theatre and a version of the large gold stickers issued at Post Office branches.
Scarborough Philatelic Society spoof stamps for 1st April
Few sets were also sold to collectors on auction website eBay. People from as far away as Australia bought the stamps last year and they proved quite popular.
‘The “junk mail” stamp reminds people to place unwanted mail in the wastepaper basket and not be “fooled” into buying things they don’t want.
Dr SK Agarwal may be contacted at email : rosephila@hotmail.com
Interview on ETv
MEGA STAMP FESTVAL AT KOLKATA
- Naresh Agarwal
Two day Mega Stamp Exhibition cum Festival named as “National Philatelic Fair and Exhibition” concluded at Olpadvala Memorial Hall Kolkata on 3rd and 4th of March. It was yet another good assemblage of philatelists and stamp dealers under one roof. Though it lacked display of exhibits because of non – availability of display frames but certainly created a festive atmosphere for stamp lovers as there were as many as 32 dealers from all over the India to serve the philatelic community as well as themselves.
A big A.C hall, well located and easily accessible was the most suitable venue for this show. Stamp and Numismatic dealers from Pondicherry, Bangalore, Delhi, Kanpur, Gujarat, Amritsar, Jaipur, Orissa, had their stalls and so were the visiting philatelists who too visited the show coming from all corners of India. Of course, this show was a delicious stuff for local philatelists.
In general, the dealers had good and wide range of modern Indian philatelic material. Here some of the philatelists were disappointed with the changing attitude of the stamp dealers who were seen hesitant in bringing and carrying other material (say rest of the world) which could have served the majority of visiting philatelists hunting for their needed stuffs, in better way.
There was neither any formal inauguration nor any closing ceremony. Even there was nothing on display. The total of 24 nos. display frames somehow arranged by the organizers placed separately at balcony never caught attention of the visitors and remained empty but were found busy silently watching the proceedings with philatelists engaged in stock books searching for their needed material, negotiating and bargaining for prices, chit chatting and enjoying the atmosphere. I personally felt pity on those empty frames.The visiting fraternity comprised of noted philatelists from all over India, old and young people, mobile dealers and children of all age groups. There was less attendance of students probably due to their examinations.
The show had an added charm as “Mukesh Fan Club” had organized a musical eve on 03.03.12 with Mr. P.C.Jaiswal the leading stamp dealer of India, a versatile personality , president of the club, being the lead singer. The eve added grace to the show and became a memorable event.
There was no cancellation or cover or other philatelic material issued during the show. It seemed as India Post did not recognize the show. With all such odds, the show was well organized and certainly a good effort to serve the philatelists, to promote the philatelic trade, to give yet another opportunity to the different groups of philately in India to meet and interact.
Interview
It was in 1952 at the tender age of 10 years Mr. Chandrakant. R. Andhare, a school boy got attracted towards colorful world of stamps. He used to collect form his friends, relatives, from old thrown papers of different offices or used to procure from different sources.
A dedicated collector, Mr. Andhare’s though had thematic collections on various subjects collection but his collection and exhibit on bridges claimed to be one of the best of his times. Though he got various higher awards up to LARGE VERMEIL in various Nationals and Internationals but truly it had all the contents of a Gold collection. His collection has also been awarded special prizes in various international shows.
He is a potential jury stuff for at least Nationals as his off the record assessment of thematic exhibits has been found very accurate at all the times but he refrained from taking up this responsibility to become jury for various reasons. But his this ability helped many collectors to refine their exhibits and win higher awards.
A dedicated philatelist always wanted to promote philatelists and philately. In 1989, he formed Chhattisgarh Philatelic Club at Bilaspur and introduced the hobby of stamp collection among the students and people not only of Bilaspur but whole of the Chhattisgarh then part of M.P.. His will to create this hobby was so intense that he used to go to different schools regularly and take classes on philately and also organize philatelic workshops. Though always short of time due to professional engagements, he used to invite children at his home during off days and help them preparing exhibits providing them all the material. He spent a huge money on philatelic development as in 1990 he prepared about 50 nos. standard exhibit high cost wooden frames with his own expenditure for the first philatelic show organized by CPA. A man with different line of thinking and approach. It was his efforts, hard work and dedication that the Chhattisgarh Philatelic Association emerged on the philatelic map of India as a strong association of hardcore philatelists groomed by him. It was his guidance that as many as five philatelists won higher awards in National Exhibition in the 2000/2001 when there was no such association which claimed so many awards at once in any National Level show..
He has been instrumental in organizing various Distt., and State level philatelic exhibitions in Bilaspur and issuance of various authorized special covers and cancellations, booklets and other philatelic stuffs. It was his constant efforts that philatelic bureau was opened in Bilaspur in 2005 and various other recognized stamp shows were organized. His unparalleled energy and strong will and love for philately and of course, philatelists is still a motivating factor for the budding as well as veteran philatelists. Though he has turned in to a part time dealer from a hardcore collector and also has health restrictions but still he is seen ready for any act in promotion of philately .
He also became one of the important auctioneers of philatelic stuffs in India whose auction catalogue was always in great demand and he served stamp collectors during the early period of the past decade.
Mr. Andhare deserves all thanks and appreciation for his long and dedicated work for the promotion of philately. His valued interview given hereunder will certainly be a good guide for the budding as well as matured philatelists…………..
Mr CR Andhare may be contacted at email : crandhare@yahoo.com
Interview with CR Andhare
1.How did you get in to this hobby of stamp collection and how it became part of your life ? Please tell us about your achievement?
Ans : I was introduced to the beauty of stamps just by an incident. It so happed that when I was a class VI student, one fine day a letter from USA affixed with some beautiful commemorative stamps was wrongly dropped in to our letter box addressed to some Mr. Andrew instead of Andhare, my father. Attracted by the beauty of the stamps, I immediately opened the envelop and was even surprised to that that cover contained some used commemorative stamps of USA. It is then that I got in to the world stamps and started collecting stamps.
Though I got various state level and National level awards but my first international award came in Asiana 2000 when I got Large silver followed by Vermeils and Large Vermeil in various international shows in India and abroad.
2. You had your recognized collection on “BRIDGES” which won various National and International awards. Were you satisfied with the judging at that time? What do you say about standard of judging at your time and now at higher level?
Ans : Bridges, a thematic collection of mine was very close to my heart though I had several other collections too. I got my higher awards on this exhibit only. Regarding judging, I must say judges have a very tough task in hand as they had their limitations such as time constraints, lack of knowledge of each subject of thematic and other unavoidable reasons. Though I am satisfied with what awards I got but still say that sometimes exhibitor deserving higher award are not rightly awarded. I still remember Jury telling me on my exhibit after the declaration of result, that he skipped some important items while judging my exhibit causing a different result. But all this must be appreciated as human error are bound to happen. Judging today too is good and satisfactory but I profess some training institution / courses for the jury at different levels apart from their deputation as apprentice jury.
3. What’s your opinion about spending money on building up a collection? What do you suggest collectors on this aspect?
Ans : With so much and variety of material available, one can spend as much as he can but I would suggest collector and exhibitor that they must spend wisely. Building up a collection has no limit but it is recognized only when it is exhibited. And for preparing a good exhibit one has to be very careful in procuring material. Philatelic knowledge is an essential requirement for spending money appropriately. So my suggestion is that one should not jump over for every item he come across. He should have patience and should spend carefully.
4. Recently, India post has come up with various philatelic products like “My Stamp”, Carried Covers, Special covers, Gandhi souvenir Sheet etc…. It is heard that , deptt. has started exploiting philatelists . e.g. MY STAMP which was issued for Rs.150.00 during Indepex 2011 is now being offered for Rs. 500.00 during Bihar State Exhibition. Is it a healthy practice?
Ans : All these products are good for promotion of philately and form one’s collection. But these don’t have any important value as for as exhibiting is concerned. For me the prices quoted are too enormous and an exploitation of stamp collectors.
5. You had formed the well recognized philatelic society named “Chhattisgarh Philatelic Association” which earned big name and fame in India. Of late, we see any activity. Is it dying? We see philatelic clubs and societies are formed and die off very soon? In your opinion what is the reason behind it.? Your views on “Do’s and Don’ts” for proper functioning and good health and life of such societies?
Ans : I am satisfied with the functioning of CPA for more than 20 years successfully during which it organized various events which were highly appreciated. As all its activities revolved around me all the years and today as I am unable to devote much time to the society due to my health constraints and other important social activities; there is no one to look after the functioning of society. Here I admit that I failed to cultivate a second line in spite of my best efforts which has brought the society to this stage.
Though there is a long list of Dos’ and DONTs’ ,but I will sum up the same by saying that every society should have a second line to take over. It should have sufficient funds and philatelic material to serve the members and every member should have contention in mind to introduce at least one new member in one year and at least one exhibition once a year in any school .If this is done , there is no reason that any society can fail.
6. Now a days paper mail has become quite less by the frequent use of electronic mail. Do you think that philately will die slowly with time due to this?
Ans : I have heard people saying that philately can never die with this change. I wish the same too. But I am afraid that the way electronic and other fast communicating systems are being introduced in the postal system, the issuance of postal stamps may be stopped one day and then the appearance of the colorful and attractive stamps will not be there to attract new budding collectors which ultimately will cause death of philately. However, some innovative methods may be introduced in electronic mail carriage system to attract new stamp collectors to keep the hobby alive.
7. We understand you have sold your valuable on “BRIDGES” collection in parts? Please tell us the reasons behind this. Did you get back appropriate money you spent over the years for building up that collection? Your feeling when you sold it and your advice in this regard?
Ans : Yes, I have sold my collection because I felt that was most appropriate time for me to do that. The bridges collection was very close to my heart and I really felt pain when it was being sold in parts as there was no buyer to buy the same at reasonable price. However, even by selling that in parts,. I did not get even 25% of what I spent over the years on building up that collection but I still say I took the right decision. I felt bad but at the same time I always had in my mind that philately gave a new spirit to my life during the past 60 years in form of extreme pleasure.
8. Role of PCI has been important in promotion of philately. Do you think that it is functioning properly now? If not, what changes do you suggest?
Ans: I have been very close viewer of the activities of PCI since its inception. Though it was formed with a very noble mission of promotion of philately but of late, I see that its main activities are constrained to deputation of judges, appointment of commissioners, to some extent co-ordinate with deptt. of post for organizing philatelic shows and organizing meetings & sometimes issuance of its magazine ”SIGNET” only. But truly it has failed in its mission and have practically no say in postal deptt’s decisions. I suggest compete reformation of the structure and form new mode of functioning introducing young and energetic members.
9. Nowadays philatelic investment has become a regular practice for stamp collectors which purchase huge quantity of new philatelic material to be sold at premium in future. Do you think this is real philately and a healthy practice?
Ans. Investor in postal commodity are not philatelists. Those who procure and preserve more than what is actually required for their collection are investor. Investor are big danger for the development of philately. A strong action is required to be taken against such persons.
10. How do you feel turning from a philatelist to a dealer now? What’s the major difference between the two faces of philately?
Ans. Yes, I am selling stamps but I am not a dealer. You can call me a part time dealer as I am engaged in disposing of my own collection slowly because I still want to live with philately. Yes, dealers are very important for development of philately because without them it is very difficult to procure required material and build a collection. Dealers and philatelists are made for each other as they complement each other.
11. It is said that for a philatelist, philately and philatelic stuffs, his accumulations, his knowledge normally die with him. Do you think it can / should be transferred/shared. What do you suggest.
Ans. Philately though is known as personal hobby but its pleasure stays in sharing i.e. sharing information, knowledge and philatelic stuffs. We must not forget that stamp collection has its base in EXCHANGE system. So, it should be shared and enjoyed both in terms of knowledge and philatelic stuffs.
12. What do you think about length of this hobby one should pursue ? I mean till the end of life or till he can physically or mentally devote time and energy to it or should it be left at some stage ? If so, then when and why?
Ans. The hobby of philately should be perused till one is mentally and physically fit. Yes, at one stage one should start disposing of the surplus material.
13. Your final advice to the philatelic fraternity in general !!!!!
Ans. Philately is hobby and should be treated as hobby for pleasure only and not a means of investment or earning. Also this is a mean to strengthen the bond of brotherhood between the philatelists and so should be treated that way only.
This interview was conducted by Mr Naresh Agarwal.
Changing with the time….
Change is the law of nature. Philately too has changed a lot with the time. Collecting stamps and sticking in albums to preserving in weather protective transparent leave stock books, runner mail to e- mail, paper mail to electronic mail, physical exhibiting to virtual exhibiting have been the major changes. People now ask whether philately is dying. No, philately is changing. It is expanding. We need to identify the changes and explore these. It is advisable too to change the ways of collecting, preserving and of course, exhibiting. Looking in to the overall mail carriage and transmission, the percentage of paper mail may seem to be less but otherwise it has increased tremendously. A major portion of paper mail transmission and carriage is in the hands of private couriers. It is understood, that postal collecting products of private courier services may not get recognition soon but later these will be collected and certainly will be in big demand. Like in the history before the emergence of Govt. postal services, there were private courier services existing in many parts of the world. And today those have created a big field of philatelic research and collection.
I would suggest thinking on these lines will broaden the scope of collection and area of interest and will add to the pleasure. Philatelic organizations and controlling bodies should now think for gross change and design some new futuristic systems looking in to the these changes.
Mr Naresh Agarwal may be contacted at email : nareshkumar1992@yahoo.co.in
Beginners’ Section
Underwater Post Office
- Sudhir Jain from Bahamas
Bahamas was the first country to have an underwater post office from the year 1939 to 1940. This seafloor post office was actually a submarine sphere used for filming underwater scenes. Basically meant for tourists, this seafloor post office allowed tourists to get a breathtaking view of marine sea life and send a souvenir postcard home with a special post mark “Sea Floor / Bahamas” printed on it.
Captain J.E Williamson started this underwater post office. He was pioneer in undersea photography and also deeply involved in the production of a number of motion pictures under the Sea. His father invented a tube that could stretch to depths of 200 feet below the surface. Williamson himself added a round chamber with a thick glass window and used this chamber to take photographs of undersea creatures.
In the year 1939, this photosphere was transformed into an underwater post office by the name of "Sea Floor Bahamas." shortly in the year1940 it was closed. In the year 1965, the Bahamas Postal department issued a definitive set. Williamson’s photosphere and the 1939 Sea Floor post office were depicted on the five-shilling denomination stamp of this set. The same pictures were used again in year 1966 and 1967 on new definitive stamps also.
Specialized Section
World’s first Newspaper Stamps
Austria's newspaper stamps (postage stamps issued for the mailing of newspapers) first appeared in 1851; they depicted a profile of Mercury, the Roman messenger god, and were not denominated, the colour of the stamp indicating the value. Blue indicated the 6/10 kreuzer rate for one newspaper, yellow for ten newspapers (6kr), and rose for 50 newspapers (30kr).
In 1856, the design was reprinted in red (or scarlet), and along with the rose, was made equivalent to six kreuzer. However, it was soon superseded by a new design which came out in 1858, and only a few copies have survived.
The Red Mercury is the rarest of Austrian newspaper stamps. Recent auctions have valued it at about US$40,000, with unused copies worth about 10% less than used. On February 7, 2008 an unused copy was auctioned in Vienna for 26,000 euro.
Austrian Red Mercury stamp - one of the rarest stamps of the world
The 1851 issues
In the 1860s, the demand for specimens of earlier stamps of Austria from foreign postal administrations and collectors was increasing steadily. Official records reveal that in 1865 the postal administration of Baden sent a collection of their stamps, consisting of originals as well as reprints, to the Austrian postal administration and asked for a collection of Austrian stamps in exchange. As copies of demonetised stamps were no longer available and in order to satisfy the demand, the Austrian authorities decided in 1866 to have them reprinted. Thus the era of reprinting in Austria began, lasting until 1910.
In January 1866 the Ministry of Commerce ordered the first reprints of stamps and from the State Bureau of Printing (k.k. Hof und Staatsdruckerei), Vienna, which also produced all following reprints. As a rule, the reprints were delivered to the 'Wertzeichen-Haupt-Depot' of the 'Post-Oekonomie-Verwaltung' in Vienna, and sold to the public. The exception was the reprint of 1866, the sole purpose of which was to supply foreign postal administrations and possibly some high personages. (The interest of High Personages in philately was, one suspects, driven by considerations not entirely philatelic…)
Edwin Müller relates that a sales counter had been opened at the main post office in Vienna sometime in 1864, where the remainder of the 1860/61 issue as well as all current stamps and envelopes were on sale at face value. This included those used in the province of Venetia which was unobtainable anywhere else in Austria. This counter was closed in 1866 because of lack of business, only some three hundred Gulden worth of stamps having been sold. The unsold stock of the 1860/61 issue was then officially destroyed.
The sales window was re-opened sometime in 1870, probably at the time the second printing of reprint stamps had been produced. These and all subsequent reprints were sold to the public at face value and the proceeds used to cover the manufacturing costs; any surplus going to the Pension Fund of the Employees of the State Bureau of Printing.
The reprints of 1866 were never sold officially to the public. The State Bureau of Printing was ordered to produce five hundred copies of all demonetised stamps. However, a considerably larger quantity, possibly one thousand, were actually produced. Five hundred sets were delivered to the Ministry of Commerce as ordered and were distributed among foreign postal administrations and some high personages as mentioned before. The remaining portion of the printing, however, was kept by the State Bureau of Printing for many years. Ultimately, a high placed person obtained this stock and sold it to the well-known Viennese stamp dealer Rudolf Friedl from whom the reprints found their way into private collections.
When the first reprints were ordered, new plate settings had to be assembled, the original settings being no longer in existence. However, individual clichés and in some instances the original dies had been preserved from the time when production of the original stamps was discontinued. It was necessary therefore to produce new clichés for the reprint settings. This was not accomplished in a uniform way.
For the postal issue of 1850 (Kreuzer and Centes), electrotyped clichés of Type III and sub-types were still available. One of each denomination was selected and thoroughly cleaned before it served as the basis from which were produced, by the galvanoplastic process, the clichés required for the reprint settings. In some instances, retouches were made on the matrix and consequently the design of the reprint differs from the original of the same type in certain details.
It has been generally accepted that the clichés for all reprints of each denomination of the first issue were derived from one master cliché for each value, and that all of them were of Type III. Kohn doubts the correctness of this statement on two counts. First, as an exception a stereotyped cliché of Type Ib served as master for the clichés of the 1 Kreuzer value of the 1870, 1884 and 1887 reprints. Second, in a few instances reprint clichés of the same denomination were produced from different clichés of Type III (as shown in the illustrations accompanying Kohn's article).
Of the 5 Centes value, all original stamps were printed from Type I clichés, this being the only value unknown in the re-engraved state of Type III. For the reprints, however, only clichés of Type III were used, which may indicate that production of original stamps of Type III had been contemplated.
For the Mercury newspaper stamps, all reprint clichés were cast directly from a cleaned original die of Type II which had remained in the storerooms of the State Bureau of Printing. However, retouching in certain spots of the design occurred between printings. For instance, a colour spot in the shadowed part of the chin, which shows in the 1866 reprints, does not appear on any later printings. Apart from this, however, the stamps produced in the seven printings are fairly uniform in design and a distinction between them is possible mainly on the basis of shades of colour and the paper.
The clichés for the reprints of the newspaper stamps of 1858/9 also were cast from original dies. One of Type I served for the 1870 reprint clichés and one of Type II for all other clichés. The spacing between the stamps is a characteristic to distinguish reprints from the originals. The originals are spaced horizontally ¾mm to 1¼mm and vertically 3mm to 3½mm. The reprints have a spacing of 1¾mm to 3½mm horizontally and of 5½mm to 5¾mm vertically.
Edwin Mueller has reported that reprint plate settings consisted of only 25 subjects and that four impressions were made from each setting on every sheet. Reprint sheets were thus of one hundred stamps each, and reprints of St. Andrew's Crosses do not exist.
For the normally perforated issues, the reprints were line perforated without exception. The original stamps of the same type come only in harrow perforation, the one exception being the 3 Soldi black of 1858 which was issued as an original in a very narrow line perforation. (There is a variety of perforation types described in detail in the Oliva Catalogue of Italian stamps).
For the reprints, the paper employed was identical with that in use at the time for the current issues. From 1864 to 1890 it was machine made, watermarked BRIEF-MARKEN for the postal issues and ZEITUNGS-MARKEN for the newspaper stamps. Thus, while the paper used in the first (1866) and last (1904) reprints had no watermark, that for the 1870, 1884 and 1887 printings of postal stamps was watermarked BRIEF-MARKEN. The 1894 reprints of postal stamps and all re - printings of newspaper stamps were produced on paper bearing the watermark ZEITUNGS-MARKEN. The gum of the reprint stamps is smooth and white; in a few instances it is slightly yellowish. The reprints in general show clearer impressions than the originals; those of 1866 are remarkably fine. Their shades of color are brighter and fresher than are those of the original stamps.
Reprints were not valid for the payment of postage, but postmarked reprints exist, as it was possible to have them cancelled at the philatelic window at the time of purchase. The most frequent postmark bears the inscription 'Postwertzeichen Verschleisstelle Wien' and the date when cancelled.
1851-56 newspaper stamps – reprints
The 1867 design
1867 brought up a new design of Mercury stamps
Austria 1867 Mercury stamps. On the left is a normal stamp, on the right a private perforation.
These are normally imperforate, but private perforations exist. These stamps were printed using several printing plates that can be identified rather easily by looking at stamp design and print quality. About a decade later, in 1880, the same design was used to issue a new, light green newspaper stamp. This time the stamp design also contained nominal value of ½Kr printed on the bottom of the stamp frame.
1899 / 1901 design
Austria 1899 Mercury newspaper stamp.
The difference between 1899 and 1901 prints is use of varnish bars to prevent stamp re-use. The 1899 issue is without diagonal varnish bars, the 1901 is with them.
1908/1910 design
The 1809/1910 set showcases yet another design for Mercury’s head. Like previous issues, the stamps are imperforate, but perforated copies exist. For philatelic researcher, various paper types used for this issue provide hours of fun.
Austria 1908/10 Mercury stamps
20-heller brown Mercury newspaper stamp is an example of Art Nouveau design
Col Jayant Datta may be contacted at email : doctorjayanta2009@gmail.com
Check List for the Stamps issued worldwide in 2011 related to the theme of ‘UNESCO - World Heritage’
- Pradip Kumar Malik
(This is a compilation of the information received from different resources. The purpose for this compilation is to share information with the philatelists. It is not being claimed that the list is complete. It is based on the information that has been collected so far. Anyone who wishes to share additional information is heartily welcome ! )
JANUARY 2011:
Krishndevaraya (India): Krishnadeveraya was the famous ruler of Vijayanagar Empire who reigned from 1509-1529 AD. ‘Group of Monuments at Hampi’ is located within the ruins of former capital of Vijayanagar Empire. The Vittala Temple and Stone Chariot at Hampi can be seen over this Miniature Sheet.
National Park Kellerwald-Edersee (Germany): Kellerwald - Edersee National Park’s assets include Germany’s largest contiguous beech woodlands. The ancient Beech Forests of Germany figures in World Natural Heritage list. Self-adhesive stamp with same design but smaller in size was also released.
To be contd….
Reader’s Right
India Post rules for commemorative stamps
Dear (Jeevan Jyoti) The Editor,
Recently, I had an occasion to read the Guideline for the Issue of new Commemorative Stamp by the Dept. of Posts of Government of India. The Guideline may be accessed online at
http://www.indiapost.gov.in/Pdf/Proforma_for_issue_of_Commemorative_Stamp.pdf
You will notice that the Guideline Rule 10, says "10. Proposals may be sent by any citizen of India.".
While the word, "may" is used but in reality, we may not know, if the suggestion is not accepted due to non-citizen like NRI suggesting; as they are privileged to not give any reason of acceptance or rejection! They never acknowledge the RTI!
May I request you to look into this matter and let me know, if an NRI can submit a proposal for an issue of new commemorative stamp by the Dept of Posts of the Ministry of , Communications & Information Technology and Chairman, Philatelic Advisory Committee (PAC)?
Your reverting back with the response from the government will be much appreciated.
- Prakash Mody, Toronto - Canada
P.S. I read the letter of Anil Nawlakhe in this issue of Rainbow Stamp News. The Government does not want individuals to suggest or request for any stamps!!
From Anil Nawlakhe
Replying on the comments of respected Prakash Mody, I would say, by not communicating acceptance or rejection of any proposal from public(citizen) ; the public authority (DoP and PAC) only shows how they offer service to nation through the allotted responsibility and it also reflects how opaque is the decision making of postage stamps in India.
Although they never wish to acknowledge the RTI, the proposed RTI Logo Stamp is an opportunity for them to have record of showing 'the public authority is offering information through a document' as depicted on the RTI Logo through the design.
The said set of Rule does not clear the matter about NRI. However the word any citizen perhaps includes NRI as per my sense.
- Anil Nawlakhe
Books on philately
I have a request, Can it be possible to float a message on following information which may helps everybody to know about various phila resources in India.
1. Various books published related to Philately, Publication years, Price, brief description, content, Language, availability, number of pages, illustration, images etc.
2. Promotional books for school children
3. Journals
4. Websites related to philately in India
This information may be gathered and a data bank may created in your website with " LITERATURE & WEB SITE IN INDIA" for the future generation.
With regards, and looking forward to more interesting story in future.
- Dr. Bibhudatta Mishra, Bhubaneshwar
New Issues from other countries
Canada
5 April 2012 : 100 years of Titanic disaster – 5 stamps ( 1 single stamp + 1 s/s with 4 stamps)
Hungary
9 May 2012 : Hungary Europa 2012: “ Visit…” s/s with 4 stamps
Iceland
22 March 2012 : Green Energy
Ireland
22 March 2012 Contemporary Dance – 4 val.
Taiwan
23 March 2012 Wild Mushroom – 4 Val +1 MS
New Blogs & Websites
Stamp Collecting : http://bestnetguru.com/stampcollecting/ - It is a nice Stamp Collecting site created by Shoban Sen Stamps with a Discussion Forum.
My Philatelic Journey : www.pamnani.info – A new Website created by Rajesh Pamnani of Hyderabad. The site is a very informative for the collectors of Indian Postal History.
A Tribute to Mahatma Gandhi : http://www.gandhiworld.in/ - A new website created by ML Rajesh of Tiruvallur District of Tamilnadu. This website contains Gandhiji's memorabilia such as Stamps, coins, currencies, tokens, telephone cards, post cards, special covers, statues and a few rare photo graphs too. It is a complete website on Mahatma Gandhi .
Officially Sealed Mails of the World : http://www.poseal.com/ - A site dedicated to the study of Post Office Seals -
Sports Philately : http://www.sportstamps.org/ - Website on Sports Philately.
Se- tenant Stamps of India - http://setenantsofindia.blogspot.com/ It is a specialized Blog on se-tenant stamps.
Flags & Stamps - http://flagstamps.blogspot.com/ - It is a specialized blog on Flag Theme .
Glimpses of Modern Indian Philately : http://modernindianphilately.blogspot.com/
Stamp Sathi : http://stampsathi.in/# - A new website on Indian Philately created by Chintan and Ronit Parikh of Gujarat. It is a very useful site for all stamp collectors.
Phila India : www.PhilaIndia.info – A new website on Indian Philately created by Mahesh Reddiar of Krerala
Postmarks of India : http://www.indianpostmarks.blogspot.com/ - This blog is dedicated to Permanent Pictorial Cancellations available at Indian Post Offices.
Discover Topical Stamp Collecting : http://secretstostampcollecting.com/members/ - How-To, Tips, News, Reviews and Resources for Stamp Collectors
A Blog on Modern Indian Postal History and Modern Philately of India, has been created by Mr Prashant Pandya. Idea of creating this blog ‘Glimpses of Modern Indian Philately’ by Mr Pandya is conceived to provide, share and discuss information exclusively on Modern Postal History or Modern Philately of India. Collectors of Modern Indian Philately around the world are invited to share the knowledge and information on the subject.
Gandhi Stamps : http://gandhistamps.com - The website is a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi Philately. All the stamps issued on Mahatma Gandhi from various countries in the World have been featured.
Join Mobile Philately & Stay Updated - http://mobilephilately.blogspot.com/ Mobile Philately is a mobile technology based philatelic community with short messaging service (SMS) that allows the community members to get latest updates related to Indian philately directly into mobile message box.
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Stamps-Philately-1610/indexExp_69442.htm - It is a site based on Question & Answers on Philately. Mr Prashant Pandya replies to queries.
Philatelic Clubs & Societies
Baroda Philatelic Society - http://www.vadophil.org/
Deccan Philatelic Society – Pune, Maharashtra
Eastern India Philatelists’ Association - http://www.filacapsule.blogspot.com/
Indian Stamp Ghar - http://www.indianstampghar.com/
Indian Thematic Society, Ludhiana - http://indianthematicstamps.webs.com/
Ludhiana Philatelic Club
Mobile Philately - http://www.mobilephilately.webs.com/
Philatelic Society of Rajasthan, Jaipur
Rainbow Stamp Club - http://rainbowstampclub.blogspot.com/
Rajkot Philatelic Society – Rajkot, Gujarat
Gujarat Philatelic Association - Ahmedabad
South India Philatelists Association - http://www.sipa.org.in/
Stamps of India - http://www.stampsofindia.com/
The Army Philatelic Society, Pune
The Lighter Side
Volcano Post
Vanuatu lies on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", the active zone around the rim of the Pacific tectonic plate. Most of Vanuatu's islands are the result of volcanic activity in the last few million years, which is young, geologically speaking. There are some exceptional examples of volcanoes throughout the group with seven active volcanoes visible and several more in the sea. Each volcano has a character of its own and presents a unique opportunity to witness nature's unbridled power.
Unbelievably Vanuatu Post has established a post box near the fiery rim of Mt.Yasur's crater, where mailing a letter is a hot experience! Imagine molten lava exploding in the air metres from where you are writing and sending your postcard! This is what Volcano Post is all about.
The postal outlet on Mt.Yasur is recognised as the only post box in the world on a live volcano and has the support of Vanuatu's National Tourism Office. The post box is officially designated by Vanuatu Post as a postal outlet and mail is collected regularly by appointed postal agents. All mail receives a unique Volcano Post cancellation, which will become sought-after items amongst the world's stamp collectors. Like the Underwater Post Office, Volcano Post has dedicated stamps and postcards that enable the visitor or collector to keep these unusual and hard-to-find items. Imagine showing your friends a postcard from the Volcano Post Box, which was sent to you just a lava rock's throw from molten lava with temperatures over 1000°C! Read More….
New Books on Coins, stamps and autographs
COINS OF INDIA - Specialized Study with Current Prices (1835 - 2012)
A new book Coins of India by Prof VK Gupta, Neha Gupta and Varun Nischal was recently released at New Delhi . It contains 344 pages, nearly 4,000 listings with current average market prices (Which is a unique feature), over 770 images, 4 appendices, bibliography and index.The book is priced 1,600/-, $60. with special price upto 25th March 2012- Rs 1350/-.
Published By
Prof.(Dr.)Vijay Kumar Gupta
140, S.F.S.Flats,Ashok Vihar, Phase-4.
Delhi-110052.India
Mob:+91-9810955593,Ph:+91-11-27305000,+91-11- 27302506
Email: profvkg@gmail.com , profvkg@yahoo.co.in
A book on of postal stamps on folk arts
A Book on folk arts " Anche Janapada", A collection of postal stamps of various countries related to folk arts by well known philatelist Mr M. R. Prabhakar and published by Karnataka Janapada Academy Bangalore has been released and kept for scale at Karnataka Janapada Academy .The cost of the book is 150/- Mr M.R Prabhakar is well known as A philatelist and he had conducted many exhibitions in rural area .
A new book by Mr Praful Thakkar "Glimpses of Indian Autographs" is a wonderful book. It is a specialized book for autograph lovers.
It gives the glimpses of autographs of eminent Indian personalities of various fields. The book contains around 600 autographs in 8 major groups which are further divided in 42 different categories. In each category about 13 autographs, along with the photographs of the celebrities, are presented. The effort in the book is made to project glimpses of different themes under which autograph collection can be made.
Price Rs 1500 US $ 50 It is available at following address :
Rekha P. Thakkar
34, Janvishram Society,Behind Sahjanand College, Ambawadi,, Ahmedabad 380015
Email: thakkar34@yahoo.co.in or pkthakkar@yahoo.com
Promotional Section
Advertise in “Year Book of Indian Philately”
Dear Friend,
You must have seen a couple of editions of the “Year Book of Indian Philately” and must have liked them. The feedback and responses are very encouraging. We are inspired to do better and more, and trust us, you will find every next issue of the Year Book more informative, more interesting & more preserving. You must also have realized that a lot of hard and sincere work is required to make this happen. Another vital resource which is required for this type of task is the finances.
At the moment we are making all the shortages good by ourselves, but we wish to break-even at the least to sustain the work. Philately is our passion and we do not mind spending for it, but rising costs of production / publication have forced us to look out for the alternates and helping avenues.
In this context we take this opportunity to request you to please look around you and see if any advertisements are available around you or your influences, which can be secured for your favorite publication - the “Year Book of Indian Philately”. This will help us immensely to do further better and to our fullest capabilities for the promotion of this great hobby.
Rates for the advertisements can be sent / negotiated on hearing from you.
We have added a novelty to this request for advertisements. We will provide the advertiser, copies of the Year Book editions (any of his choice), worth equal to the value of the advertisement he provides, (T&C applied). This translates into absolutely no spending on account of the advertisement published in the Year Book. He will have the opportunity to recover the entire cost of the advertisement by selling the copies allotted to him in the process.
Now, is there still any reason to shy away from this “never before” opportunity to advertise in a world class journal? Do we need to mention here that your advertisement in the Year Book of Indian Philately will reach a large number of serious and capable segments of the Philatelic fraternity the world over and will be preserved as a ready reference for the times to come? In every sense of the word this is an unique & unparalleled opportunity for an advertiser of any reputed product or service, philatelic or otherwise.
It will not be out of context to mention here that every time the Year Book has participated in any competitive exhibition, it has won an award there. Medals at the INDIPEX 2011 at New Delhi, at PHILA NIPPON 2011 at Yokohama in Japan, at CHINA 2011, at Wuxi in China and at SINE 2011, again at New Delhi, are among the latest laurels.
We look forward for a positive, encouraging and prompt response from you.
Thanking you, Sincerely,
- Madan Middha
Editor / Publisher
For advertisement in “Year Book of Indian Philately” Contact Mr Madan Middha email : madan_middha@yahoo.co.in
Current Philatelic Magazines – Newsletters
Stamp of India Collectors’ Companion - India’s first and most updated weekly e-newsletter edited by Madhukar and Savita Jhingan from Stamps of India, New Delhi. E-mail: mjhingan@yahoo.com Website: www.stampsofindia.com
ITS Stamp News - Quarterly - Editor: Suraj Jaitly Publisher: Indian Thematic Society website - http://itsstampnews.blogspot.com/
Phila News, Editor Rajesh Pahariya and published by Philatelic Society of Rajasthan, Jaipur
VADOPHIL, Editor - Prashant Pandya and published by Baroda Philatelic Society, Vadodara. Website -http://www.vadophil.org/
e ZEP Newsletter http://www.ezep.de/zpj/zpj.html Editor : Dieter Leder email zpj@arcor.de website www.eZEP.de
SIPA Bulletin Editor - Mr G. Madan Mohan Das and published by South India Philatelists’ Association, Chennai website : http://www.sipa.org.in/
FILA Capsule – Editor : Ajit Dash and published by EIPA, Bhubaneshwar.
GPA News – Editor- Ilias Patel and published by Gujarat Philatelists’ Association, Ahemadabad.
Kar Phila News published by Karnataka Philatelic Society & edited by by Akshay Borad
e–mail : akshayborad@hotmail.com
RAINBOW STAMP CLUB
This is a blog of e-stamp Club www.rainbowstampclub.blogspot.com . The idea of this blog is to extend philatelic fraternity in all corners of the world. Readers may write about themselves with their collecting interests and share new ideas with other philatelists. New Post on recent issues, news on stamp activities and Contribution by members are published every day on this blog.
Readers may also express their views on any philatelic matter which will be published under Club News at Rainbow Stamp Cub Blog. Philatelic Clubs and Societies may also send brief write ups. News about new issues of India and abroad and other information related with Philately are regularly posted on this blog. Readers may send reports on new issues, special covers, cancellations & philatelic activities of their area for inclusion in this Blog. - Editor
Courtesy - News and Image Resource to this issue - Stamps of India, ; International Stamp News ; Mansoor B.- Mangalore ; Abhai Mishra – Dehradun; Jagannath Mani- Bangalore ; Stamp Collecting Round Up; Dr SK Sondhi – Ludhiana; Shrikant Parikh – Ahmedabad; Jagannath Mani - Bangalore
All the images of this issue have not been included here. For detailed images related to this issue Please Visit: http://www.rainbowstampnews.blogspot.com/
Address for communication:
Jeevan Jyoti, c / o Mr. Ajay Srivastav, Director, Great Himalayan National Park, Shamshi, Kullu (H.P.) PIN 175126 India
E-mail – j.jyoti9@gmail.com or rainbowstamp2008@gmail.com
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…..Happy Collecting…………………………………………………………………
Rainbow Stamp News is edited and published monthly by Jeevan Jyoti, from Kullu (Himachal Pradesh) India.
